Bodyguard for Christmas by Carol J. Post

• Series: Love Inspired Suspense
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense; Original edition (December 4, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1335490795
• ISBN-13: 978-1335490797

About the Book:

Someone’s after his little boy. 

She has one chance to save them both.

When his young son is nearly kidnapped, assistant district attorney Colton Gale needs a Christmas refuge—and a live-in bodyguard. Though former military police officer Jasmine McNeal fights to shield them 24/7, she refuses to get attached. 

But growing close to the little boy and his father might be her only shot at keeping them alive—and becoming a family beyond the holidays.

My Review:

Another enjoyable book from Carol J. Post! This my absolute favorite. The characters  in 'Bodyguard for Christmas' are wonderful, the suspense is intense, and the romance is sweet. All elements I've come to expect from Post.

What makes this book so special? The hero of the story is the female lead! And Jasmine SO ROCKS! Colton is vulnerable without being weak, and together these two make a memorable duo.  Not to mention the adorable little one that Jasmine guards...too cute!

Here's to an outside the box concept that really raises the bar for inspirational romantic suspense!  I'm pleased to recommend 'Bodyguard for Christmas'...it's not your typical Love Inspired Romantic Suspense.  And that's how I like it!


Until the next read,

Deena

* I was provided a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author and volunteered for the opportunity to provide an honest, impartial review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

Freedom's Kiss by Sarah Monzon

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: Radiant Publications (August 9, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1944638075
• ISBN-13: 978-1944638078

About the Book:

They were prisoners of the past. Could legacy be the key to setting them free?

Olivia Arroyo knows who she is and where she’s going—her sense of family responsibility a stepping-stone to her dream of becoming a chef. When her employer refuses to allow her to move from server to the kitchen, she makes another opportunity for herself with the owner of a new food truck. But her life derails when a hidden piece of her past suddenly comes to light, and she discovers everything she thought she knew about herself has been a lie.

A single decision can have innumerable consequences—a truth that has changed Adam Carrington’s life. A criminal defense attorney turned food truck owner, he is haunted by his role in an unpardonable act and driven by his need to make restitution. Unexpected help comes in the form of a feisty raven-haired beauty, but she soon begins challenging his kitchen as well as his heart. 

Florida 1816 Propelled by a fleeting hope of freedom, Winnie and her family escape slavery and find refuge and new life with the Seminole Indians of Florida. But their future is still uncertain as threats of war, a return to slavery, and removal to the West shake their tentative grasp on freedom. Will they ever step out of the shadow of fear to leave a legacy of deliverance?

My Review:

As a reader and adoptee, I was captivated by Sarah Monzon’s novel from page one. Her skill as a storyteller shines, and her talent for weaving the past with the present is outstanding.  The chemistry between Olivia and Adam is infectious and at times hilarious!  'Freedom's Kiss' has the right amount of intensity mixed with wit and humor to keep the pages turning.

My only criticism concerns the conclusion.  I was waiting for history to impact present in a big way but, while Monzon did connect the dots, the connection was made very loosely.  I would have loved to see more of an impact.  However, this did not detract from the overall story itself.

This is my first novel by Monzon, and I always love discovering someone new to fall in love with.  I’m so satisfied with this story that I hunted down the first two books in this series so I’d have more of Monzon’s writing to enjoy!

I'm pleased to recommend 'Freedom's Kiss' to you as a very enjoyable read.


Until the next read,

Deena

* I was provided a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author and volunteered for the opportunity to provide an honest, impartial review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

How to Connect With Your Troubled Adult Children by Allison Bottke

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (January 8, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736962395
• ISBN-13: 978-0736962391

About the Book:

Are your adult child’s mental, emotional, and physical health issues driving you to despair? Are you tempted to bail your son or daughter out of yet another impossible circumstance? When your child has reached (or long since passed) the point of independence, it’s difficult to know what your “help” as a parent should look like.

From the author of bestseller Setting Boundaries® with Your Adult Children, Allison Bottke now offers an in-depth guide to help you connect with your troubled adult child, and to build your confidence, knowledge, and hope in challenging situations such as…

• drug addiction
• mental and emotional disabilities
• military trauma and PTSD
• personality disorders
• financial trouble
• depression and bipolar
• divorce
• incarceration
• …and so much more

Whether you’re facing these problems for the first time or looking to learn more, take a step back and develop effective strategies to truly help your adult child—without sacrificing your sanity.

My Review:

Full disclosure:  I'm not finished reading Allison Bottke's newest book, 'How to Connect with Your Troubled Adult Children'.  This isn't a book you can race through--especially if you're living with a trouble adult child (or have one).

However, I've devoured enough to be able to completely and honestly recommend the book with high praise.  Bottke's words come from a lifetime of experience, trial, error, and growth.  Her issues and struggles with her own son have resulted in a gifted ministry to other parents struggling with children who struggle themselves.

Because yes, parenting is a struggle.  But it can be a daily struggle you feel you'll never win when your child has deep seated issues or addictions or illnesses.  And you can win, simply by reading Bottke's book and learning to let go.  Before you lose your S.A.N.I.T.Y.

I'm learning so much as I read, and Allison Bottke recognizes that there's a lot of material and wisdom to take in.  She even recommends a notebook or journal accompany you as you read through her book.  I highly recommend that as well.  Good for memory and for reference later on!

I'm pleased to recommend 'How to Connect with Your Troubled Adult Children' to all parents, but especially to those in difficult relationships with their adult children.  And please: if you don't walk this particular parenting road, be kind to those who do.

Until the next read,

Deena

* I was provided a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author and volunteered for the opportunity to provide an honest, impartial review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

His Mistletoe Miracle by Jenny B. Jones

• File Size: 1399 KB
• Print Length: 200 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Sweet Pea Productions (December 6, 2018)
• Publication Date: December 6, 2018
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

About the Book:

After years as a hostage in Afghanistan, wounded journalist Will Sinclair retreats to idyllic Sugar Creek, Arkansas, to finish his memoir and get his life back on track. As if the town’s match-making mamas aren’t enough trouble, his own meddling family descends on him for the holidays. To get them all off his back, Will plots a ridiculous idea. He just needs the right woman. When he finds a bossy decorator in his yard, it’s more than her ugly Christmas sweater that makes her the perfect pick.

Cordelia Daring loves her life as a foster mom and entrepreneur. But when she finds herself in need of money, Will’s offer comes just in time. Pretend to be his girlfriend for two weeks? She can handle that. Sure, she flunked drama in high school, but how hard could it be to pose as the arm candy of famous journalist Will Sinclair? Never mind that her foster son adores him. Or that his family is everything she’s ever wanted. Because when the deal expires, Cordelia intends to take her money and run.

As the holiday draws near, their pretend relationship spirals out of control. And Cordelia’s not sure she wants it to unravel. If these two hope to make it till December 25th, they’re going to need some serious Christmas magic. . .

If you like heart-warming characters, small-town romance, and laugh-out-loud moments, you'll love this visit back to Sugar Creek.

My Review:

This was such a fun and heartwarming story!  Don't worry, though--Jenny B. Jones' trademark wit and humor abound within the pages!

In fact, I can honestly say that Jones is in my top three favorite contemporary and YA authors--of all time!  She has a unique talent for turning a phrase that settles well in my wheelhouse of humor, and I adore her for it.

I vaguely remembered Will Sinclair, so I did some research and discovered he was in--kind of--There You'll Find Me, one of my favorite Jenny B. novels.  I was thrilled to discover the entire Sinclair clan makes an appearance in 'His Mistletoe Miracle', and I absolutely am down with any trip back to Sugar Creek, however long I get to remain.

Cordelia was a girl after my own heart, and I loved her from the moment I met her.  Her foster mom status resonated with authenticity and emotion.  She was rich and vibrant and funny--whether on purpose or on accident, depending on how Jones' typed her!

I heartily recommend 'His Mistletoe Miracle' to you: even though Christmas has passed, it's always a good time for miracles, romance, and a great read from Jenny B. Jones!

Until the next read,

Deena

Mind Games by Nancy Mehl

• Series: Kaely Quinn Profiler (Book 1)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 4, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764231847
• ISBN-13: 978-0764231841

About the Book:

Kaely Quinn's talents as an FBI behavior analyst are impossible to ignore, no matter how unorthodox her methods. But when a reporter outs her as the daughter of an infamous serial killer, she's demoted to field agent and transferred to St. Louis.

When the same reporter who ruined her career claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely's, the reporter's ulterior motives bring his claim into question. But when a body is found that fits the poem's predictions, the threat is undeniable, and the FBI sends Special Agent Noah Hunter to St. Louis. 

Initially resentful of the assignment, Noah is surprised at how quickly his respect for Kaely grows, despite her oddities. But with a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else--including Kaely herself--is killed.

My Review:

I love a great criminal procedural, and add in a member of the FBI's BAU and I'm all in!  When I heard about Nancy Mehl's newest series I could hardly wait to dive in, and I was thrilled with the novel.

Mehl has crafted a series that has the same feel as the new drama FBI: gritty, focused, and intense. She opens the book by revealing Kaely's infamous background and continues with a thrilling case for the FBI behavior analyst to help solve.

Her characters are rich and nuanced, and the story is gripping and well paced.  This was a book that had me so tempted to read the last chapter first just so I knew where the story was going to end up...but I resisted and was rewarded with a very satisfying conclusion.

I'm excited to see what's next for Kaely and Noah!  I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, with no obligation in return.  I really think you'll love "Mind Games", so pick up a copy today!

Until the next read,

Deena

* I was provided a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author and volunteered for the opportunity to provide an honest, impartial review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh

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• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (June 5, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1496421523
• ISBN-13: 978-1496421524

About the Book:

For Quinn Collins, buying the flower shop in downtown Harbor Pointe fulfills a childhood dream, but also gives her the chance to stick it to her mom, who owned the store before skipping town twenty years ago and never looking back. Completing much-needed renovations, however, while also competing for a prestigious flower competition with her mother as the head judge, soon has Quinn in over her head. Not that she’dever ask for help. 

Luckily, she may not need to. Quinn’s father and his meddling friends find the perfect solution in notorious Olympic skier Grady Benson, who had only planned on passing through the old-fashioned lakeside town. But when a heated confrontation leads to property damage, helping Quinn as a community-service sentence seems like the quickest way out―and the best way to avoid more negative press. 

Quinn finds Grady reckless and entitled; he thinks she’s uptight and too regimented. Yet as the two begin to hammer and saw, Quinn sees glimpses of the vulnerability behind the bravado, and Grady learns from her passion and determination, qualities he seems to have lost along the way. But when a well-intentioned omission has devastating consequences, Grady finds himself cast out of town―and Quinn’s life―possibly forever. Forced to face the hurt holding her back, Quinn must finally let go or risk missing out on the adventure of a lifetime. 


My Thoughts:

Sometimes it can be difficult to find the words to explain why I love fiction written by certain authors.

I don’t have that problem telling you why I love every book Courtney Walsh creates.  I just need one word:  REAL.

Real life characters like Quinn and Grady.  Real life situations, like clinging so tightly to the past your emotional muscles freeze up, keeping you from being able to reach out to the promise of a different future.  Real life dislike for people we’ve misjudged and real life humility enabling us to admit we were wrong.

I don’t read Walsh’s books to escape.  I read them to find healing amid the imaginary people and their own struggles.  I read them to meet new friends that continue to linger long after the story ends.

Oh, and I read them because they are crazy good stories with amazing and real romance.

That’s why you should read them, too.  I’m giving Just Let Go four out of five stars.

Until the next page turns, 

Deena

The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 12, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310351006
• ISBN-13: 978-0310351009

About the Book:

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress comes a story of long-lost love and its redemption in future generations.

Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte—in life or on screen. But everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be killing her career.

When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale, inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.

Centuries earlier, in the heart of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s always wanted—something straight from the heart.  

Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The Love Letter is a beautifully-crafted story of the courage it takes to face down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times. And just maybe, all these generations later, love can come home in a way not even Hollywood could imagine.

My Thoughts:

When I finally stop crying, I'll write my review.

For now, I'll allow the five stars and shelf choice speak to the fabulous-ness of "The Love Letter".

************************

Okay, I'm ready, emotions under control!

"The Love Letter" is another powerful novel from one of my all-time favorite authors, Rachel Hauck. It's an epic love story that covers centuries and follows the lives of two couples:

Hamilton and Esther, during the Revolutionary War, and Jesse and Chloe, from the Hollywood of today. Their individual and collective journeys speak to powerful love, heavy guilt, and the power of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. 

Esther is growing up in what will become the United States, but has family roots in England. When war comes calling, her family is on the side of the King, while her true love fights for the colonies. 

Chloe is Hollywood royalty, and has been typecast as the "actress who always dies". Her life is filled with heartbreak and regret. Jesse has just written and sold his first script, and is carrying his own heavy regret. 

How the two couples are connected is a plot I won't spoil, and how their futures turn out. . .yeah, no spoilers on that, either. 

I have loved Rachel Hauck's novels for a very long time, and her royal love stories were captivating. I couldn't imagine loving any book more, and then she wrote "The Wedding Dress", and continued to write magical stories about weddings and loves both lost and found. 

How could she ever top those stories? By writing an epic tale titled "The Love Letter", and may I just say, "Wow!", and "Stock up on tissues!"

(I also highly recommend "The Writing Desk", her "Low Country Romance" series...oh, just read all of her books!)

I received an advance copy with no services promised in return. 

Until the next page turns,

Deena